perfect game

American  

noun

1. a baseball game in which the same player pitches throughout the full game without allowing any player of the opposing team to reach first base by a base hit, base on balls, error, or any other means.

2. a game in bowling of 12 consecutive strikes.

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perfect game British  

noun

1. baseball a game in which no batter on the opposing team reaches first base

2. tenpin bowling a game in which a bowler scores twelve consecutive strikes

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Etymology

Origin of perfect game

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

"If we are not at 100 percent and don't play the perfect game, it will be difficult for us," added Monaco skipper Denis Zakaria.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

“This is a perfect game for AI right now,” said Verron.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

The last pitcher to face the minimum over eight innings of a postseason game: Don Larsen of the New York Yankees, in his 1956 perfect game.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2025

Schwarber became the 21st player to hit four home runs in a game, an accomplishment even more rare than a perfect game, 24 of which have been pitched.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2025

For the next ten minutes he patiently answered questions from television, radio, and newspaper reporters, as if he had just become the second man in history to throw a perfect game in the World Series.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger